Zimbabwean Billionaire Wicknell Chivayo Dies in Crash

Wicknell Chivayo, a prominent Zimbabwean businessman and managing director of Intratrek Zimbabwe, and his wife, Lucy Muteke, died in a helicopter crash on Wednesday evening. The incident occurred at Kudenga Farm in the Marondera area, approximately 70km east of Harare, claiming the lives of all six occupants, including two pilots.

They were traveling from Gandami in Chikomba, where they were constructing a rural home, when the helicopter went down about 40 minutes after take-off. Government spokesman Nick Mangwana confirmed the identities of the deceased.

The cause of the crash is currently unknown as investigations have commenced. Chivayo was known for his involvement in business, philanthropy, and extravagant displays of wealth, having secured a $172 million solar power project from the state-owned Zimbabwe Power Company.

His dealings faced scrutiny, but a 2023 election procurement inquiry by Zimbabwe’s anti-corruption commission found no evidence of wrongdoing. Kenyan President William Ruto paid tribute to Chivayo, recalling their friendship and belief in Africa's potential.